At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge photonics technologies for quantum applications.
- Company: Join Infleqtion, a global leader in quantum technology innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, stock options, generous pension, and unlimited PTO.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and remote work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting field of quantum technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in Photonics with 5+ years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world's most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables "quantum everywhere" through its ecosystem of devices and platforms. Our mission is to commercialise atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in performance and computing applications.
Location: Infleqtion has offices in the USA, United Kingdom, and Australia. This is a full‑time position mainly in our Kidlington, Oxford office with occasional requirement to be in the National Quantum Computing Centre, Harwell. Work from home permitted up to 2 days per week based on business needs and manager approval.
Position Summary The Photonics Technical Lead (PTL) plays a strategic role in shaping and advancing Infleqtion's integrated photonics capabilities, working closely with global technical and business leaders to transition innovative technologies into products and customer solutions. As the UK technical lead and primary point of contact for integrated photonics, this role is responsible for developing and executing the photonics roadmap across a portfolio of projects spanning photonic integrated circuits (PICs), laser systems, and integrated photonic subsystems for quantum technologies. The role will collaborate extensively with multidisciplinary teams across Infleqtion's UK, US, and Australian operations to align technology development with company strategy, product roadmaps, and customer needs.
Primary responsibilities include overseeing technical project execution, leading photonics research and development activities, managing technical personnel, developing external partnerships, and identifying opportunities to transition photonics technologies into commercial products.
- Project and Technical Leadership
- Lead the UK integrated photonics capability and act as the primary technical point of contact for photonics activities.
- Oversee the technical performance of a portfolio of photonics projects, ensuring alignment with business, product, and customer objectives.
- Develop and maintain technical roadmaps for PICs, laser systems, and integrated photonic subsystems.
- Collaborate with Quantum Systems teams to identify and develop integrated photonics opportunities.
- Set technical objectives, assess feasibility, manage technical risks, and support project delivery.
- Present technical updates, milestone reviews, design reviews, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Identify technologies suitable for product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property protection.
- Integrated Photonics Development
- Lead the design, simulation, layout, fabrication, testing, and packaging of silicon photonics PICs.
- Design and develop photonic components including lasers, modulators, passive devices, and integrated subsystems.
- Work with foundry partners, III‑V gain chip suppliers, and packaging companies to develop and integrate photonic devices.
- Lead laboratory testing and characterisation of PIC‑based devices, including automated test methods.
- Characterise lasers and modulated laser systems, including DC measurements, frequency noise, relative intensity noise, and high‑speed waveform analysis.
- Evaluate micro‑combs and PIC‑based approaches for miniature frequency combs and atom‑addressing applications.
- Team, Stakeholder, and Partner Engagement
- Build, lead, and mentor technical contributors within the photonics team.
- Assign responsibilities and guide project‑level technical contributors toward successful outcomes.
- Work closely with global technical teams across the UK, US, and Australia.
- Act as a technical interface with partners, suppliers, subcontractors, customers, and collaborators.
- Support proposal development, statements of work, technical planning, and externally funded programme activities.
- Promote strong HSE practices and a safe working culture in laboratory environments.
Requirements
- What You Will Bring to the Team
- Technical Knowledge
- PhD in Photonics, Optoelectronics, or a related discipline.
- Deep expertise in integrated photonics and PIC‑based device development.
- Advanced proficiency in photonics simulation techniques, including FDTD, EME, FEM, BPM, or similar methods.
- Hands‑on experience with commercial photonics design, simulation, and layout tools such as Lumerical, Synopsys, or similar.
- Strong understanding of silicon photonics design, layout, fabrication, packaging, and test workflows.
- Experience with lasers, modulators, passive photonic devices, frequency combs, and high‑speed optical measurement systems.
- Ability to quickly understand complex technical concepts and communicate them clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Experience
- 5+ years post‑PhD developing PIC‑based devices or integrated photonic systems in quantum, telecom, sensing, datacom, or related fields.
- Experience leading technical projects, teams, or work packages in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Experience working with foundries, packaging partners, component suppliers, or external collaborators.
- Track record of developing complex technologies from concept through validation, prototype, or product transition.
- Experience supporting proposals, externally funded projects, or customer‑facing technical programmes.
- Comfort working in a dynamic, collaborative, matrixed environment.
- Desirable Skills and Knowledge
- Experience with atomic physics applications.
- Experience with heterogeneous integration of III‑V and silicon photonic devices.
- Knowledge of micro‑combs, optical frequency combs, or laser frequency stabilisation.
- Experience with automated photonics test systems and data analysis.
- Familiarity with product development, commercialisation, and IP generation.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Incentive Stock Option Plan
- Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution
- Cycle to work scheme
- Tax efficient technology schemes
- BUPA Private Healthcare Insurance once probationary period is successfully completed
- Unlimited PTO subject to fair usage
Photonics Technical Lead in Kidlington employer: Infleqtion UK
Infleqtion is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Kidlington, Oxford, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and mentorship within a diverse team dedicated to advancing quantum technology. Our generous benefits package, including competitive salaries, a substantial pension contribution, and unlimited PTO, reflects our dedication to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace culture.
